Is it ever okay to write about breaking into cars for my college essay?
So here’s something that’s been on my mind lately: I have a pretty wild story from my sophomore year involving breaking into my own car (NOT anyone else’s, just to be clear—I accidentally locked my keys inside at a soccer game). I ended up improvising a bunch of stuff to get in and it took forever, but it did work and my teammates still bring it up as a running joke.
It honestly taught me a lot, like staying calm in stressful moments and thinking outside the box. I kind of want to write about this for my main college essay because it stands out in my life, but I’m scared adcoms might see 'breaking into cars' on an application and instantly judge me. Has anyone else written about something like this that might be seen as 'sketchy' out of context? Are stories like this too risky, or is it all about how you frame it?
I’m aiming for a memorable but not problematic essay if that makes sense!
It honestly taught me a lot, like staying calm in stressful moments and thinking outside the box. I kind of want to write about this for my main college essay because it stands out in my life, but I’m scared adcoms might see 'breaking into cars' on an application and instantly judge me. Has anyone else written about something like this that might be seen as 'sketchy' out of context? Are stories like this too risky, or is it all about how you frame it?
I’m aiming for a memorable but not problematic essay if that makes sense!
7 months ago
•
84 views
Dr. Craig Aimar
• 7 months ago
Advisor
Writing about unusual or memorable stories can definitely make your essay stand out, but you’re right to think carefully about how this experience might come across. In your case, since you were breaking into your own car after locking yourself out, you aren’t describing criminal activity or poor decision-making—rather, you faced a problem and found a creative solution.
The key is all about framing. If you focus on what you learned (resourcefulness, staying calm while others watched, maybe accepting help or improvising under pressure) and keep the tone light, your story could actually boost your application by showing how you respond to challenges. Just be clear upfront that it was *your* car and there was no intent to do harm. You want to dispel any doubts immediately, so you could open with something like: “I never imagined my biggest test of patience would happen in a high school parking lot, locked out of my own car after soccer practice.” This sets the scene, adds a personal tone, and focuses on your experience.
Plenty of students have taken risks with slightly unconventional topics, but the ones who succeed frame the situation thoughtfully. For example, someone wrote about fixing a clogged toilet at work, using it to highlight initiative and a sense of humor. As long as you avoid sounding cavalier or proud about breaking rules, and you emphasize qualities like creativity or determination, this story sounds like it has strong potential.
If you’re still worried about how it might come across, you could consult with a trusted teacher or counselor to be sure the phrasing is clear. Ultimately, authenticity and self-awareness matter a lot—if this incident really shaped you and you can reflect on it thoughtfully, go for it. Admissions readers want to see who you are beyond your stats, and sometimes the most unusual moments make for the most memorable essays.
The key is all about framing. If you focus on what you learned (resourcefulness, staying calm while others watched, maybe accepting help or improvising under pressure) and keep the tone light, your story could actually boost your application by showing how you respond to challenges. Just be clear upfront that it was *your* car and there was no intent to do harm. You want to dispel any doubts immediately, so you could open with something like: “I never imagined my biggest test of patience would happen in a high school parking lot, locked out of my own car after soccer practice.” This sets the scene, adds a personal tone, and focuses on your experience.
Plenty of students have taken risks with slightly unconventional topics, but the ones who succeed frame the situation thoughtfully. For example, someone wrote about fixing a clogged toilet at work, using it to highlight initiative and a sense of humor. As long as you avoid sounding cavalier or proud about breaking rules, and you emphasize qualities like creativity or determination, this story sounds like it has strong potential.
If you’re still worried about how it might come across, you could consult with a trusted teacher or counselor to be sure the phrasing is clear. Ultimately, authenticity and self-awareness matter a lot—if this incident really shaped you and you can reflect on it thoughtfully, go for it. Admissions readers want to see who you are beyond your stats, and sometimes the most unusual moments make for the most memorable essays.
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Dr. Craig Aimar
Freeland, Michigan
Ph.D. Educational Leadership, Ed.S. Educational Administration, M.Ed., B.A. Secondary Education
Experience
23 years
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